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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 8, 2020 · Air Tractor AT 502 Undesignat · N9185D

Pecan Gap, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 8, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Pecan Gap, TX
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 502 Undesignat (1992)
Tail Number
N9185D
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CEN20LA143

The pilot was conducting an aerial application flight. There were no witnesses to the accident, but the wreckage path was consistent with an in-flight collision with a tree near the edge of the field and subsequent impact with terrain. Examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. An autopsy was not performed; however, a review of the pilot’s medical history and postaccident medical treatment did not reveal any evidence that a preexisting medical condition contributed to the accident. The evidence is consistent with the pilot not maintaining adequate clearance from the tree, and the airplane’s collision with a tree and impact with terrain.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot did not maintain adequate clearance from tree, which resulted in a collision with a tree and subsequent impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

On April 7, 2020, about 1945 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502 airplane, N9185D, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Pecan Gap, Texas. The pilot received fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 agricultural flight. The pilot was conducting aerial applications when the accident occurred. There were no witnesses to the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the site noted that the airplane collided with the top of a tree at the edge of the field before it impacted the field. Several airplane pieces, including the engine, were found along the debris path to the main wreckage. A post-crash fire consumed a majority of the fuselage. There were no witnesses to the accident. The engine impact-separated into two pieces during the accident sequence; rotational scoring was observed on the turbine blades. Three propeller blades remained in the propeller hub, which also remained attached to the front section of the engine. Two propeller blade tips were sheared off; each blade exhibited lengthwise and chordwise twisting. After the wreckage was recovered, National Transportation Safety Board investigators examined the fuselage at the salvage facility. The post-crash fire and impact damage limited the extent of the examination; however, no pre-impact discrepancies were noted with the flight controls. The pilot initially survived the accident and received medical care. Neither an autopsy nor toxicological test was performed; however, a review of the pilot’s FAA medical history and medical treatment did not find any evidence of a preexisting medical condition that could have contributed to the accident. Photo 1: Airplane wreckage FAA photo

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT 502 Undesignat
Tail NumberN9185D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 137
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6 · Turboprop
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class · Fatal

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time23:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data